After Formation — Tennessee LLC Compliance Requirements

Once your Articles of Organization (Form SS-4270) are approved, your Tennessee LLC is active. Ongoing compliance includes the April 1 Annual Report and the franchise & excise tax — totaling a minimum of $600/year. These state-mandated costs apply whether you filed yourself or used our $199 formation service; they're billed separately from any service we provide. For formation details.

Critical Requirements

1. Annual Report ($300 minimum, due April 1)

• Filed annually via TNBEAR (tnbear.tn.gov/ecommerce)
• Due April 1 every year (regardless of when you formed)
• $300 minimum fee
• Confirms current entity information
• Detailed guide

2. Franchise & Excise Tax ($300 minimum)

• Filed annually with Tennessee DOR (Form FAE 170)
• Due April 15 for calendar-year entities
• 6.5% excise on net income + 0.25% franchise on net worth/property
• Combined F&E minimum: $300
• Register at tntap.tn.gov

Post-Formation Checklist

Immediate

1. Get EIN (irs.gov)
2. Register with TN DOR for F&E tax (tntap.tn.gov)
3. Open business bank account
4. Create operating agreement
5. Check business license requirements (Nashville, Memphis, Knoxville)

Annual (Every Year)

6. File Annual Report by April 1 ($300) via TNBEAR
7. File F&E tax return by April 15 (Form FAE 170, $300 minimum)
8. File federal taxes (Schedule C, 1065, or applicable)
9. Make federal quarterly estimates if applicable
10. Maintain registered agent

Minimum Annual Cost

$600/year minimum: $300 Annual Report + $300 F&E tax. This applies even if your LLC has zero income and zero assets.

FAQ

What's the most common compliance mistake?

Missing the April 1 Annual Report or the April 15 F&E tax filing. They're close together (2 weeks apart) and both carry penalties for non-compliance.

How do I check my LLC's standing?

Search TNBEAR (tnbear.tn.gov/ecommerce) for your entity status. Shows "Active" or "Dissolved/Revoked."